Either way, homebuyers are still looking for houses with innovative floor plans and functional design features, and luckily Calgary is home to many dedicated designers and architects who work hard to fulfil these desires. One such individual is Michael Jacobson of Homes by Avi.

Jacobson is an architectural graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies. He has been working in the field for almost ten years, designing everything from residential towers to different types of multi-family projects, and of course, single-family homes. With previous experience in both Vancouver and Calgary, Jacobson has worked for Homes by Avi for more than five years. As the product development manager, he is responsible for Avi’s Calgary, Edmonton and Austin markets, and is quite proud of one of his latest designs.

Currently, the Holden is a 2,232-square-foot show home in Elgin Village in the community of McKenzie Towne. This beautiful three-bedroom home is one of Avi’s flush-front plans that is becoming very popular.

“We know that many of our customers love the convenience of an attached front-drive garage, but many are less enthused about the look of a streetscape of garage doors,” says Jacobson. “For that reason, we set out to develop a line of models which minimizes the impact of the garage door on the front-drive streetscape. To achieve this, we have brought the front porch out beyond the main wall of the garage, and built the upper floor out to that front face as well. As you enter the home you are greeted with a spacious foyer and a unique corner walk-in closet/mudroom feature that ensures that the foyer can remain uncluttered. “Service spaces such as the entry, mudroom, pantry, laundry and closets are all very generous in size,” says Jacobson. “These features are essential to the realities of family life.”

As you move towards the rear of the home you will appreciate the open-concept of its design. “The kitchen, dining and living room are all connected and flow into each other,” he explains. “Arches and ceiling treatments help differentiate each space and bring the scale down so that each room feels comfortable and well proportioned on its own,” he adds. Of course the upper level of the Holden has some distinctive features as well. “The Holden is a really great family home,” says Jacobson. “Probably the most popular feature of this home is the upper floor; people rave about the size of the ensuite and master closet, and they love the separation of a kids’ zone and a parents’ zone.” Those with families are sure to appreciate the upper-level laundry room and a media loft ideal for TV viewing.

The entire floor plan is full of great features such as these, and Jacobson and Homes by Avi will continue to give homeowners what they desire most in a home–well thought-out features and attractive designs.